Sitha Maliwa
EFF Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi is being hailed as a hero for accountability following his dramatic confrontation in Parliament that ultimately led to the withdrawal of controversial appointments to the boards of South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
Lonzi, a vocal figure within the Economic Freedom Fighters, was forcibly removed from a recent parliamentary portfolio committee meeting after he challenged the appointment of Buyambo Mantashe, the son of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, as chairperson of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA). The confrontation, which saw Lonzi clashing with committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie, went viral after he was ejected for accusing officials of shielding politically connected appointees from public scrutiny.
His removal triggered national outrage and intensified criticism of the SETA’s appointment process. In the aftermath, Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane announced that she would withdraw all recently made board appointments, citing public concern and the need for a more transparent and inclusive process.
Among those whose appointments were rescinded were Buyambo Mantashe, who was appointed to lead MERSETA; Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the former KwaZulu-Natal Premier named to head the BANKSETA board; Siboniso Mbhele, the head of the KZN Department of Transport appointed to the Transport SETA board; and Loyiso Masuku, ANC deputy regional secretary in Johannesburg, appointed to the FOODBEV SETA board.
Minister Nkabane said the initial process, though guided by an independent panel, would be restarted to ensure merit, competence, and fair representation. The new selection process will be opened through a Government Gazette and managed by a newly constituted independent panel.
Lonzi’s bold stance has drawn admiration from across the political spectrum. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, with hashtags like #LonziTheWatchdog and #HeroOfTheHouse trending. Civil society leaders and political analysts praised him for taking a public stand against what many view as entrenched nepotism and the politicisation of state institutions.
According to political analyst Busi Msimang, “Sihle Lonzi stood up when it was politically risky to do so. In doing that, he gave South Africans a reason to believe that Parliament can still serve as a check on power.”
While the EFF has often been known for disruptive tactics, this instance is widely seen as a justified intervention in defence of democratic values. Lonzi’s insistence on transparency and accountability, even in the face of removal from Parliament, has helped bring national attention to a process many believe lacked fairness.
The EFF has since condemned his removal as unconstitutional and reaffirmed its support for Lonzi’s conduct. The party has credited him with exposing political patronage and compelling the government to act in the interest of public accountability.
As South Africa gears up for its 2026 general elections, the SETA appointment controversy and Lonzi’s role in it may become a defining moment for voters frustrated with corruption and political cronyism.
Though removed from the parliamentary floor that day, Lonzi’s voice continues to echo across the nation, symbolising a growing call for ethical governance and courageous leadership. – @NewsSA_Online
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